Man arrested after fleeing fatal Polk County crash

A 26-year-old man was arrested after leaving the scene of a three-vehicle crash that killed a 71-year-old Lakeland man on Monday morning.

Deputies responded to State Road 37 near County Road 630 shortly after 6 a.m. near the Bradley Junction community. First responders found the Lakeland victim dead inside a 2006 Ford Focus. A 29-year-old Wimauma man driving a Toyota SUV sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The driver of the third vehicle, a Honda sedan, exited his car and ran from the area before being located and taken into custody.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office identified the Honda driver as Grevil Cerrato. Early investigation indicates the Toyota was traveling north while the Ford and Honda were traveling south. Investigators believe the Toyota driver lost control due to wet road conditions and weather. The Toyota crossed into the southbound lanes and struck the Ford. The Honda, which was traveling behind the Ford, also collided with the other two vehicles.

Cerrato told traffic homicide detectives that he fled the scene because he was scared. He stated that he did not have a driver's license and was in the United States illegally. The sheriff's office confirmed that Cerrato was in the country without legal status. An immigration hold has been placed on him.

Cerrato was booked on charges of leaving the scene of a crash involving death, which is a first-degree felony. He also faces a misdemeanor charge for driving without a valid license. State Road 37 remained closed for approximately five hours following the incident.

Investigators have not released the names of the deceased Lakeland man or the injured Wimauma driver. Authorities have not indicated whether the Toyota driver will face traffic citations or criminal charges for losing control of his vehicle. The investigation remains ongoing.